Savage said heatedly that his position was not anti-Semitic but instead

``pro-American,`` as his supporters murmured their support.

Redistricting has placed more suburban voters into the district, and Reynolds hopes that this, and possible crossover votes from the GOP, will help him win.

During his news conference, Savage charged that pro-Israel forces are financing Reynolds` campaign because of Savage`s record of opposing foreign aid to Israel.

``I`m opposed to sending one dime of the taxpayers` money to build a house in Israel to entice Jews from Russia to live in Palestinian territory,`` Savage said. ``We should use that money to build homes for the homeless in America.``

He continued: ``It is wrong for someone to receive 90 percent of his campaign contributions from a group of people who are un-American,`` he said. ``They put the interests of Israel ahead of the interests of America. That`s not anti-Israel. That`s pro-American.``

Reynolds, who fought similar charges from Savage two years ago when he ran against Savage for the congressional seat, said Wednesday that Savage`s remarks were a sign of desperation.

``He`s ranting and raving because he`s desperate. He did this during the last campaign. So what`s new?`` Reynolds said.

During his news conference, Savage said that 90 percent of Reynolds`

campaign contributions come from pro-Israel and Jewish-dominated organizations, most of which are located outside the congressional district.

But Reynolds denied that charge, saying that about half his campaign contributions come from donors within the district, with the other half coming from outside contributors.

``I don`t go through my campaign contribution lists and ask what religion you are. How do I know? But I take Catholic contributions, African-American contributions, Puerto Rican contributions. Anyone who wants to support this campaign, please send me some more money,`` said Reynolds. ``I get

contributions from Americans.

``This isn`t about where the money comes from. It`s about trying to create hate in order to get votes,`` Reynolds said.

Although Savage repeatedly said Wednesday that his comments were not anti-Semitic, he named two newspaper reporters and a television commentator as examples of ``Jewish misleaders`` whom he said have been misreporting his comments and trying to smear him.

Savage, who does not speak to what he calls the ``white media,`` also accused a black reporter from the Chicago Defender of not covering his campaign.

Savage singled out the Defender reporter because the newspaper did not publish a story she had written last weekend about a speech he gave criticizing Reynolds` campaign contributors.

During his heated give-and-take with reporters, Savage said: ``Racism is going to end in this country.``